The blood supply in South Africa is at just 1.8 days of Group O stock, equating to less than 2 000 units. Donors are urgently needed to come forward, the South African National Blood Service (SANBS) announced today.
“The situation is reaching a critical level and we appeal to all South Africans – active donors, lapsed donors and potential donors – to donate blood to bolster the national bloodstock,” Silungile Mlambo, National Marketing Manager for the SANBS said.
Read: SANBS face severe shortages
Reacting to this national crises, the Midwit branch will be having more blood drives than regular over the next few weeks, leading up to the holidays.
Donors can expect to see more of the SANBS mobile teams at shopping centres in and around Middelburg and eMalahleni.
Watch: VIDEO – Journey of blood
There is a serious appeal to the donors to present themselves as soon as possible to donate their unit of life-saving blood.
Nearby donor centres:
Middelburg: Wonderpark Centre
eMalahleni: Highveld Mall (Edgars Entrance)
“So many people in life-threatening situations require blood. It’s what saves a haemorrhaging mother’s life so that she can raise and love the baby she has just brought into the world. It’s what saves someone suffering complications during major surgery. It’s what helps cancer patients endure and survive treatment. That’s the point: it’s not just blood. It’s saving people’s lives, through a simple, easy donation,” says Mlambo.
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